7.4 Youth activism and political engagement

Youth activism and political engagement are crucial aspects of contemporary African politics. Young people, who make up a significant portion of the population, are increasingly using digital platforms and social movements to voice their concerns and demand change.

These youth-led initiatives are reshaping political landscapes across the continent. From online activism to street protests, young Africans are challenging traditional power structures and pushing for more inclusive, responsive governance that addresses their needs and aspirations.

Youth Demographics and Political Participation

Youth Bulge and Its Implications

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• A youth bulge occurs when a large share of the population is comprised of children and young adults, typically under age 30
• Countries with youth bulges often face challenges in providing adequate education, employment, and opportunities for their growing youth population
• Youth bulges can lead to social and political instability if young people feel disenfranchised or excluded from economic and political systems
• However, countries can also harness the potential of their youth population for economic growth and development (demographic dividend)

Political Participation and Voter Engagement

• Political participation encompasses the various ways in which citizens engage with the political system, including voting, campaigning, contacting elected officials, and participating in political parties or organizations
• Voter engagement refers to the level of interest, knowledge, and participation in the electoral process among citizens
• Youth voter turnout tends to be lower than other age groups, often due to factors such as lack of political knowledge, disillusionment with the political system, or feeling that their voices are not heard
• Efforts to increase youth voter engagement include voter education campaigns, lowering the voting age, and making voting more accessible (early voting, online registration)

Intergenerational Politics and Youth Representation

• Intergenerational politics refers to the dynamics and power relations between different age groups in the political sphere
• In many countries, older generations hold a disproportionate share of political power, leading to policies that may not prioritize the needs and interests of younger generations
• Youth often face barriers to political representation, such as age restrictions on running for office or lack of access to political networks and resources
• Increasing youth representation in politics can bring fresh perspectives and ensure that the concerns of younger generations are addressed in policymaking (youth quotas, youth wings of political parties)

Youth Activism and Social Movements

Social Movements and Youth Leadership

• Social movements are organized collective efforts to bring about social, political, or cultural change, often led by youth who are passionate about issues affecting their communities
• Youth have played key roles in social movements throughout history, from the civil rights movement in the United States to the Arab Spring uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa
• Youth-led social movements often focus on issues such as education, employment, social justice, environmental sustainability, and political reform
• Youth leadership in social movements can inspire and mobilize other young people to become engaged in activism and advocacy

Digital Activism and Online Mobilization

• Digital activism refers to the use of digital technologies and social media platforms to organize, mobilize, and advocate for social and political causes
• Youth are often at the forefront of digital activism, leveraging their digital skills and networks to raise awareness, share information, and coordinate collective action
• Examples of digital activism include online petitions, hashtag campaigns, virtual protests, and crowdfunding for social causes
• Digital activism has enabled youth to connect with like-minded individuals across borders, amplify marginalized voices, and put pressure on decision-makers

Protest Movements and Youth Empowerment

• Protest movements are a form of collective action in which people gather to express dissent, demand change, or resist policies or actions they oppose
• Youth have been at the forefront of many protest movements, from the student-led protests against gun violence in the United States to the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong
• Participation in protest movements can be an empowering experience for youth, helping them develop leadership skills, build solidarity with others, and feel a sense of agency in shaping their societies
• However, protest movements also carry risks for youth, such as facing violence, arrest, or repression from authorities (police brutality, censorship)
• Youth empowerment involves creating opportunities for young people to develop their skills, voice their opinions, and take action on issues that matter to them
• Empowering youth can involve providing them with education, training, resources, and platforms to express themselves and make a difference in their communities (youth councils, youth-led organizations, mentorship programs)